If you’ve experienced these 7 things in life, you’re mentally stronger than the average person

We all face challenges in life. But it’s how we handle those challenges that define our mental strength.

When life throws you a curveball, you have two options – crumble under the pressure or rise above it.

Folks, if you’ve powered through certain situations, you’re mentally tougher than most people. And guess what? There are specific experiences that are telltale signs of this strength.

Coming up are seven experiences that shine a light on your mental toughness. If you’ve lived through these, pat yourself on the back – you’re stronger than the average person!

1) You’ve faced significant adversity

Life is not always a bed of roses, folks.

There are times when you’re thrown into deep waters and everything seems to be falling apart. It’s in these moments that your mental strength is truly tested.

If you’ve gone through some major hardships in life and come out on the other side, you’re tougher than most.

Experiencing adversity isn’t a picnic. But it’s how you handle it that counts.

Did you crumble under the pressure? Or did you rise above it, learning and growing from the experience?

If it’s the latter, then give yourself a pat on the back. You’re mentally stronger than the average person. You’ve not only survived but thrived in the face of adversity, and that’s no small feat.

2) You’ve made tough decisions

Making tough decisions is a part of life, and it’s one that truly tests your mettle.

I recall a time in my life when I was at a crossroads. I had to choose between a job that offered financial security and a start-up opportunity that was full of risks, but promised personal fulfillment.

It was a tough call. The easy way out was to stick with the secure job; it was safe, comfortable. But the other option… it was exciting, albeit scary.

I chose the start-up. It was turbulent, full of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. It challenged me, pushed me to my limits and made me realize that I can handle a lot more than I thought.

If you’ve made difficult decisions in your life and lived with the consequences, good or bad, you’ve demonstrated a level of mental strength that many lack. It’s about having the courage to take risks and bear the responsibility for your choices. And that, my friend, is commendable.

3) You’ve practiced resilience

Resilience is not just about surviving adversity. It’s about bouncing back and becoming stronger as a result.

Studies show that people who have experienced some adversity in their lives tend to be more resilient than those who have not. It’s like a muscle that gets stronger with exercise.

Imagine resilience as being like a rubber band. When you stretch it, it doesn’t break but returns to its original shape. The same is true for resilient individuals – they’re able to bounce back from tough situations, adapt, and continue moving forward.

This ability to adapt, to bend but not break, is a strong indicator of mental strength. If you’ve shown resilience in the face of adversity, you’ve displayed a mental toughness that sets you apart from the crowd.

4) You’ve mastered the art of patience

Patience is a virtue, and it’s also a clear sign of mental strength. Life is full of situations that test our patience – from waiting in traffic to dealing with difficult people.

If you’ve learned to remain calm and composed in such scenarios, then you have a level of mental strength that many people lack. Patience shows self-control, the ability to delay gratification and the strength to remain steady in the face of frustration or adversity.

Patience isn’t about passively waiting around. It’s about actively maintaining a positive attitude, even when things don’t go according to plan. It’s about understanding that good things take time and that rushing often leads to errors.

If you’re someone who can keep your cool when others are losing theirs, consider yourself mentally stronger than most people.

5) You’ve learned to be alone

Being alone can be tough. Trust me, I’ve been there.

I remember moving to a new city for a job opportunity. I didn’t know anyone, and initially, the solitude was hard to bear. But as time passed, I started enjoying my own company. I used that time to explore my interests, indulge in self-care, and genuinely get to know myself better.

Learning to be comfortable with your own company is a sign of mental strength. It’s not about isolation or being anti-social. It’s about being self-sufficient and understanding that you don’t always need others for happiness or validation.

If you’ve spent time alone and learned to value your own company, then you have a level of mental maturity and strength that sets you apart from the crowd.

6) You’ve handled failure well

Failure is inevitable, but it’s how you deal with it that truly matters.

Nobody likes to fail. It’s disappointing and can shake our confidence. But those who are mentally strong use failure as a stepping stone towards success. They understand that failure is not the end but a chance to learn and grow.

If you’ve faced failure, accepted it, learned from it, and moved on, then you’ve showcased an impressive level of mental strength. The ability to turn negatives into positives is a rare quality that signifies resilience, perseverance, and mental toughness.

If you’ve bounced back from failure and used it as fuel for your future success, you’re mentally stronger than the average person.

7) You’ve practiced self-love

Self-love is the cornerstone of mental strength. It’s about acknowledging your worth, respecting your needs, and prioritizing your well-being.

If you’ve learned to love yourself – flaws, imperfections, and all – then you’ve achieved a level of mental strength that many aspire to. Self-love fuels confidence, fosters resilience, and cultivates a positive mindset.

It’s not about being self-centered or narcissistic. It’s about understanding that you deserve happiness and respect, just like everyone else.

In a world where we’re often too hard on ourselves, practicing self-love is an act of strength and courage.

Final thoughts: It’s all in the mind

Our minds are incredibly powerful. They can either be our greatest ally or our worst enemy.

The seven experiences discussed in this article are not just random life events, they’re opportunities for growth. Each one presents a chance to build your mental strength, to become resilient, patient, and self-reliant.

Remember, mental strength isn’t about never facing adversity. It’s about how you respond when adversity strikes.

According to psychologist Albert Bandura, “In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, to struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life.”

So if you’ve experienced these seven things and come out the other side stronger, you’ve demonstrated a level of mental toughness that sets you apart. You’ve proven to yourself that you can overcome challenges and adapt to change.

And that, my friend, is something truly admirable. So take a moment to reflect on your journey so far and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. You’re mentally stronger than the average person – and that’s something to be proud of.